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Originally Posted by Metallover
There's a problem with the US efficiency requirements. This pisses me off. Many of the tiny diesel engines over in europe that get over 70mph should be used here in the US. The problem is that they don't meed US emissions standards. A little common sense would probably hint that a tiny 1.6l 3 cyllender engine would be less damaging to the envornment as a 5.9l diesel gas hog. Well, by volume, the little engine produces more pollution then the big one, so we let the big one dump crap into the air while the little green car stays in europe. Americans are frickin dumb not to get this. You think there's any way to fix this loophole?
I also looked at additives to the fuel. Acetone looks pretty cool. "Acetone improves the vaporization process and allows good burning to continue without lapses during the latter phase of second stage where cylinder volume is rapidly increasing. Acetone generates a very smooth and complete burn. No ping. No hesitation. No jerking. No stalling. No wasted fuel. An additive, like acetone, is simply something that is added to your gasoline to enhance the efficiency of your engine, fuel system and improve gas mileage and reduce pollution (emissions) as a result." I read somewhere someone had a V8 that got close to 100mpg and tons of HP due to acetone in the fuel. I remember seeing that you had to do something to the O2 sensor or something to make it work good.....
Well post up your thoughts about fuel economy. Post things you've done to increase fuel economy.
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One of the biggest reasons is our market here demands HP and SUV roominess. Yes, this has changed some in the last couple years, and I think you will see the offerings from the mfgrs changing to reflect that - examples VW's diesel, diesels in some small SUV's.
Certain "fuels" do give better numbers, but they also lack things like lubricity for your ICE - running on acetone, you will likely be replacing motors every 15K. In the diesel world, propane, water, and meth injection systems are used by some to increase fuel burn - mostly by the high end pullers and drag trucks.
In regards to heat, the I.C.E., like any system, has a certain thermal efficiency band that it operates best in. You can play with yours by changing the thermostat. If you keep good records, you may see a delta in your MPG. However, this may come at a price also. Operating efficiency temps do not always align with the materials used to produce the motors - completely wrapping your motor to retain the heat is only going to kill your motor due to overheating.
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Originally Posted by _paralyzed_
If you're talking specifically about your truck smoother properly inflated street tires will help. A toneau cover would help.
Like Linc said smooth driving (like a 90 yr. old) and up to date maintenance are your best bets.
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Toneau's MAY help. I keep very detailed records, and over the last 14 years, I have yet to see an improvement from any toneau, be it a soft cover or hard cover. Then there is the old myth of dropping the tailgate - doesnt work folks....pickups are designed to utilize the aero push that the tailgate provides.
Your truck MAY benefit from a switch to synthetic oils (motor, tranny, diffs). Its been hit or miss for me on different trucks, different motor sizes. Worked great in my Nissans in the early days, but no gain in full size rigs - gas or diesel.
With a pickup, avoid stop and go type driving for better economy. I have two routes I can go to work. One is 16 miles of 50mph with lights. The other is 18 miles of freeway. The difference is about 2.5 mpg - so I go freeway.
Do NOT buy into the vortex generators, platinum "injectors", and other such infomercial crap.